Chapter 28- A voice like him
Athena
Later that evening,
I keep my eyes closed, my breathing slow and even, pretending to be asleep.
I hear my bedroom door open slightly before clicking shut.
A few seconds later, I hear the soft click of the main door locking.
I wait.
Then another click..
The door closes.
He’s gone.
I sit up immediately, my heart pounding from the rush of victory.
Sleep in, my ass!
I practically launch myself out of the bed and rush into my bathroom, kicking off my shoes as I rush to the shower.
Stripping off my exam–day outfit, I take a quick shower and search my wardrobe for the shortest, tightest dress I own–black,
sleek, and sinful.
I try on the one I bought on my birthday last year. I got it to seduce Alex, but he took one look at me and walked out. Let’s just say my ego was bruised but that’s why I’m doing this! I’m taking back everything he has stolen from me. Starting from my
confidence.
Standing on the mirror, I slick my hair into a high ponytail, the style giving me an edge. Then I grab my makeup.
Dark eyeliner wings out dramatically, my lashes thick and fluttery. I paint my lips a bold red, pressing them together to seal the
color.
I’m a curvy girl and now that I’ve put this together, I feel dangerous.
If I make it on the news tomorrow, Ariana will kill me. But I’m not afraid, I want to live life for once and I won’t let anyone stop
- me.
Helen, the one in charge of the King family image…well you can call her the modern day PR. I bet she will have a thrill when she
sees my drunk face on tomorrow’s gossip news.
I step back, admiring my curves in the mirror. If I’m going to break Alex’s stupid rules, I’m doing it in style.
Satisfied, I grab my purse and head toward the door. But the second I step into the living room, I freeze.
1/5
Noah is sitting on the couch.
I jump, my heart nearly flying out of my chest. “Ahhhh! What the hell are you doing here?”
He looks up, his usual playful smile absent as he stands and his gaze rakes over me.
His expression shifts–his brows lift slightly, his lips parting as if he’s momentarily forgotten how to speak.
“Uh… wow.”
I fold my arms. “Wow?”
He blinks, snapping himself out of whatever daze he was in. “I came to check on you. Heard about the accident.” His eyes flicker down my body again, slower this time. “But… wow.”
I bite back a smile. “Do I look okay?”
He huffs a laugh, shaking his head. “You look beautiful.”
I grin. “Good.”
Noah leans back against the couch, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Where are you going?”
I shrug. “Party.”
His smile returns, lazy and teasing. “And me?”
I narrow my eyes. “And you…?”
He stands up, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Tagging along.”
I groan. “Noah- Alex will kill you this time. He doesn’t know I’m going out.” I warn him, still feeling guilty for the punches he
received last time.
“If that’s the price for some fun, I don’t mind!”
I laugh, shaking my head, “You won’t give up will you?”
Noah grins, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “What can I say? I like living on the edge.”
I shake my head, exasperated. “Fine. But don’t blame me when Alex finds out and loses his mind. You remember what happened
last time.”
Noah dramatically rubs his jaw, as if reliving the memory of Alex’s punches. “Worth it.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re impossible.”
“Yet, here I am, still your favorite bad influence.” He winks.
“Shut up. Let’s take a taxi. Because we are going to get drunk.”
2/5
“Now that’s a plan!” He responds and I laugh.
“You made it!” Mira hugs me as we step inside.
“You were very convincing!” I respond over the loud music.
“Who is this handsome dude next to you?” She winks and I cringe.
“Eww no. You can rub each other if you want. He’s family.”
“Is he? From how he’s looking at you…” She leaves the sentence hanging and I laugh.
Mira is always oblivious. You add on alcohol and she will spew nonsense all night.
The music is loud and the air is a mixture of sweat and alcohol.
Noah whistles as he joins me. “Now this is a party.”
I laugh, adjusting the hem of my dress.
“Told you.”
We weave through the crowd, the scent of expensive perfume, alcohol, and sweat thick in the air.
I ignore the lingering stares thrown my way. I know I look good, and for once, I enjoy the attention.
Noah nudges me. “Drinks?”
I nod. “Tequila.”
His grin widens. “Damn, you’re serious tonight.”
I arch a brow. “You think I put on this dress to sip water?”
He chuckles, disappearing into the crowd toward the kitchen, I suppose.
It’s my first house party and I’m going to need something strong to let loose.
“Here you go!” Noah passes me a shot.
Four more and I feel so alive!
I giggle as I rush to the dance floor. My waist swaying to the beat. This is exactly what I needed–to forget, to breathe, to feel
alive.
The night is a blur of flashing lights, pulsing bass, and laughter.
I throw back another shot, the burn spreading down my throat, but I barely feel it now. My body is warm, my limbs loose as I move to the music, my hips swaying in rhythm.
3/5
Mira is nowhere to be seen.
Noah dances next to me, grinning as he watches me twirl, my dress clinging to my curves as I let go of every worry.
The alcohol has smoothed away my thoughts, leaving only the thrill of the moment.
“Having fun?” he shouts over the music.
I giggle, twirling again before stopping in front of him. “So much fun!”
He shakes his head with an amused smile, holding his drink but not drinking nearly as much as me.
“You’re a terrible influence, you know that?” I tease, pointing at him.
He raises an eyebrow. “Me? Athena, you were the one throwing back shots like a champion.”
I laugh, swaying on my feet before steadying myself. “Maybe I deserve a trophy.”
“You definitely deserve something.” His lips twitch.
I let out a breathless laugh before closing my eyes and moving to the music again. Noah doesn’t touch me, doesn’t try to cross any lines. Instead, he just dances near me, letting me be wild, free, and reckless.
I appreciate that.
But after a while, the room starts to spin a little too much.
“I’ll be back,” I say, pressing a hand to my temple.
Noah tilts his head. “You okay?”
I nod, giving him a lazy smile. “Just need some air.”
I stumble my way outside, my heels feeling as heavy as lead as I head toward the pool area.
The night air is so nice against my overheated skin, and I let out a satisfied sigh as I lean against the railing.
The water glows under the soft lights, and for a moment, I just watch the ripples, trying to steady the slight dizziness from all the
tequila.
I look around and see that everyone is having fun. But very few people are around the pool area.
A deep voice speaks behind me.
“Enjoying your night?”
I giggle, not bothering to turn around.
I must be imagining shit because that sounds exactly like Alex.
“You sound like my secret husband.”
4/5
There’s a pause, and then-
“Oh?” The voice is lazy, making me laugh.
Yep exactly him.
I smile, still too drunk to think straight.
“Yeah, he’s kind of an asshole, but he’s hot, so I guess it evens out.”
A low chuckle rumbles behind me, and my smile grows.
But then- he speaks again,
“What the fuck did I say I’d do to you if you came to this party, Athena?”
And that’s when I finally turn around.
And freeze.
Because standing there, looking like he’s ready to murder someone, is Alex.
日
Comments
Support
Share
